Microsoft is starting to think about the next release of Windows and the …

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A beta tester's work is never complete, at least not in the world of Windows. Last week, the long awaited launch of Windows Vista began as it was released to enterprises. Microsoft has attributed much of the product's success, as in success by going gold, to its testers. Now, the company wants some testers, specifically ones in the Windows Vista Technical Beta Community, to help work on the next version of Windows.

ActiveWin has posted a statement sent by Microsoft to its testers that reads as follows:

"Many customers have expressed the desire to have an impact on future releases of Windows. We have often heard from customers that they want the opportunity to make suggestions about the way Windows works. The purpose of this program is to gather that early feedback from Windows customers and use it to make the next version of Windows the best release yet. Who Can Participate Initially [sic] this program will be open to participants of the Windows Vista Technical Beta Community. At a future date after general Windows Vista consumer availability it will be opened up to all registered Microsoft Connect users."

Microsoft obviously realizes just how important the Windows community's feedback is. While it is unclear whether the "the next version of Windows" is a service pack, a new operating system, or both, what is clear is that Microsoft wants to incorporate tester feedback early on in the process. This type of developer-to-customer interaction is usually a good thing as it doesn't send a product into a spiral of constant feature changes. It's also comforting to know that a jury of our peers can help shape the future of Windows.

Since this program is only available to the Windows Vista Technical Beta Community, not everyone is going to have their say. But if you did have a chance to offer one suggestion that would help enhance Windows' future, what would it be?